Our First Three Kings Day/ Dia De Los Reyes

“Los Reyesarrive before dawn on January 6th. For centuries Puerto Rican children have celebrated Los Reyes in the same manner as their grandparents did when they were children. January 6 is called Epiphany and is traditionally the day in which the Magi arrived bearing gifts for the Christ child. Even to this day in Hispanic countries throughout the world, January 6 is the day that children receive their Christmas gifts, in commemoration of the Magi’s visit. ” – El Boricua

As I rewind the hands of time, I turn back to when I was about 4 years old. It was a cool January morning in my house in Puerto Rico. My mami and papi would decorate a small cardboard box at the foot of my bed and fill it with straw and grass and lots of little gifts to celebrate Dia De Los Tres Reyes Magos/ Three Kings Day.

It meant a lot to me then because I got really cool stuff but it means so much more to me now as an adult. A tradition that slowly faded with each coming Christmas or New Years Eve party. But not anymore!

Thankfully, my other half is very open-minded and respects and loves my culture, my first language, and my beliefs. (And the clear fact that I don’t see him complaining while he devours mi arroz con abichuelas y pollo guisado/ My rice and beans with stewed chicken. Hahaha)

We will officially introduce my little girl to Dia De Los Tres Reyes Magos/ Three Kings Day this evening as we celebrate it for the first time.